Campfires allowed in Sproat Lk. area

09-13-2018–Campfires allowed in Sproat Lk. area

Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development BC Wildfire Service

Coastal Fire Centre rescinds campfire prohibition.

PARKSVILLE – Effective at noon on Sept. 11, 2018, campfires

allowed throughout the Coastal Fire Centre’s jurisdiction.

The use of tiki torches, chimineas, stoves, and portable campfire apparatuses that are not CSA-approved or ULC-approved are permitted. Nevertheless, local governments may still have their own burning restrictions in place. So, you should always check with local authorities before lighting any fire, of any size.

The current prohibition on larger Category 2 and Category 3 open fires remains in effect throughout the Coastal Fire Centre, with the exception of the “fog zone” (see description below). Additionally, this includes prohibitions on:

stubble or grass burning of any size

use of sky lanterns

the use of fireworks (including firecrackers)

using burn barrels or burning cages of any size or description

use of binary exploding targets (e.g. for target practice)A map showing the affected areas is available online at:http://ow.ly/xRb330lLsYU

Since April 1, 2018, 135 human-caused wildfires were reported within the Coastal Fire Centre. This is greater than the 10-year average. Most importantly, human-caused wildfires are completely preventable and unnecessarily divert firefighting resources from naturally caused wildfires.

Campfires allowed in Sproat Lk. area

Some important campfire safety tips are:

Have a hand tool or at least eight litres of water available to properly extinguish a campfire.

Campfires allowed cannot be larger than 0.5 metres high by 0.5 metres wide.

Do not light a campfire or keep it burning in windy conditions. Weather can change quickly and the wind may carry embers to other combustible material.

Maintain a fireguard around the campfire. This is a fuel-free area where all flammable materials (grass, kindling, etc.) have been removed.

Never leave a campfire allowed unattended.

Ensure that the campfire is completely extinguished and the ashes are cool to the touchbefore leaving the area for any length of time.
A video showing how to safely light and maintain a campfire is available online:

The Coastal Fire Centre covers all of the area, west of the height of land, on the Coast Mountain Range, from the U.S.-Canada border at Manning Park. This includes Tweedsmuir South Provincial Park in the North; the Sunshine Coast; the Lower Mainland; Vancouver Island; the Gulf Islands; and Haida Gwaii.

Campfires allowed in Sproat Lk. area

The BC Wildfire Service thanks the public for their continuing support, vigilance and cooperation throughout this challenging fire season.

Also, to report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation, call 1 800 663-5555 toll- free or *5555 on a cellphone. For up-to-date information on current wildfire activity, burning restrictions, road closures, and air quality advisories, call 1 888 3-FOREST or visit:www.bcwildfire.ca

The fog zone is a two-kilometre strip of land along the outer coast of Vancouver Island. It stretches from Owen Point (near Port Renfrew) north to the tip of Vancouver Island, and around to the boundary of the District of Port Hardy. This strip extends inland two kilometres from the high tide point.